Makita Dub363zv Review – Is It Worth Buying?
Many consumers get really excited when it comes time to buy a new garden tool like a snow blower, tractor or leaf blower.
But what often happens is that they jump the gun and end up buying something that isn’t powerful enough.
You have to be informed before you buy expensive equipment like a leaf blower, otherwise you can end up paying too much.
Today we will be taking a look at the Makita Dub363zv – a leaf blower that promises commercial-grade strength and function.
For someone with a large property or for someone who actually needs a leaf blower for commercial applications, the Makita Dub363zv should be on your radar.
But even as a powerful, commercial blower, is the Makita Dub363zv worth the money? We will help you find out in the following Makita Dub363zv review.
Makita Dub363zv Overview
The Makita Dub363zv is actually a very handy leaf blower. It functions as a leaf blower, mulcher and a garden vacuum. It certainly has enough power for commercial use.
Makita Dub363zv First Impressions
Our first impression of the Makita Dub363zv was that it was kind of big and awkwardly shaped.
At the end of the day, the Makita Dub363zv is big but it’s supposed to be big. It houses a powerful motor that is capable of a 145 MPH max air speed.
After a while, we got comfortable with the Makita Dub363zv and its two handles (in vacuum mode). However, the consumer should be aware that the Makita Dub363zv is 17 pounds so it is a bit on the heavy side.
However, you can attach a shoulder strap to it to make it easier to carry and operate.
Makita Dub363zv Key Features
- Vacuum Mode – The Makita Dub363zv has a vacuum and mulching mode and comes with a 50 liter leaf bag.
- Cruise Control – The blowing speed is variable and can be set to a single position via the “cruise control” function.
- 860 Watt Brushless Motor – The Makita Dub363zv is an electric blower. The 860 watt motor is capable of 473 CFM and a max air speed of 145 MPH.
- Interlock – If the nozzle or fan cover are incorrectly set up, the interlock feature will prevent startup.
- Dual Handles – In vacuum mode, the Makita Dub363zv has a handle on either side for convenient operation.
How Does it Perform
As a leaf blower, the Makita Dub363zv provides plenty of blowing power.
It doesn;t struggle with wet leaves on the highest setting. We also really liked that there were varying power levels. This made it easier to blow leaves that had fallen on graveled sections of the yard without actually displacing all the gravel.
As a vacuum, there are some ups and downs. We really liked that you can suck up pretty much anything and that there was a mulching mode. The mulching function works really well and greatly minimizes yard waste.
However, you have to get pretty close to debris to actually suck it up. In short, the Makita Dub363zv blows a lot better than it sucks.
How Loud is it?
The Makita Dub363zv operates at a max volume of 95 decibels. So it’s pretty loud; but you have to remember that this is a commercial-strength blower so there’s no getting around the noise.
How Heavy is it?
The Makita Dub363zv weighs 17.1 pounds. Again, it is a bit on the heavy side; but you can fit it with a shoulder strap to help ease the burden.
Is it Easy to Handle and Maneuver?
Yes, for the most part our testers had no trouble using the Makita Dub363zv for nearly an hour at a time.
What is the Power Source
Keep in mind that the Makita Dub363zv is a battery-operated blower/vacuum. It is powered by two 18v, rechargeable, lithium ion batteries.
How Powerful is it?
This electric blower is surprisingly powerful. It sports a 1.2 horsepower motor that is capable of 473 CFM and 145 MPH max air speed.
What Size Job Does it Suit?
The Makita Dub363zv would work well for large residential properties (about 1200 square foot yards) or small to mid-sized commercial jobs.
How Efficient is it?
The Makita Dub363zv is moderately efficient with battery power. On the max setting, it will last about 20 minutes. On the low setting, you can use it for about 35-40 minutes.
How Durable is it?
Anyone who is familiar with Makita tools knows that they are built very well – the Makita Dub363zv is no exception. It has safety features that prevent startup if it has been put together incorrectly and a filter that helps protect the motor from particulate matter.
How Long Will it Last?
If you store it in a cool dry place, we can see the Makita Dub363zv lasting for about 8 years before it needs to be repaired or replaced.
What Attachments Can you Get With it?
There aren’t a lot of options in terms of attachments. You can get the mulching bag (50 liters) and you can also get a shoulder strap.
Makita Dub363zv Pros
- Doubles as a vacuum
- It can mulch
- It’s powerful as a blower
- Easy to blow over multiple surfaces
- Does well with wet leaves
Makita Dub363zv Cons
- A bit underpowered as a vacuum
- Limited attachment options
Overall Score: 95/100
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Who Should Buy It?
We feel like the Makita Dub363zv would work best for people with large yards. A large yard will help cover up some of the noise and the Makita Dub363zv is powerful enough to tackle large residential leaf-blowing chores.
Makita Comparisons
- Makita Dub363zv Vs. Makita Dub361zv – The Makita Dub361zv is a lot smaller and lighter than the Makita Dub363zv; but it doesn’t function as a vacuum or mulcher.
- Makita Dub363zv Vs. Makita Dub362zv – The Makita Dub362zv has a telescoping nozzle, LED battery charge indicator and a variable speed trigger. Again though, it does not mulch or vacuum.
- Makita Dub363zv Vs. Makita Dub184z – The Makita Dub184z is extremely compact and light but it is not very powerful. It would only be suitable for small gardens.
Other Leaf Blowers to Consider
GreenWorks 40V Cordless Leaf Blower
This leaf blower is capable of 450 CFM and is powered by a single lithium ion battery. It weighs 3.5 pounds and can run up to 11 minutes on the highest speed setting. The speed can be adjusted via the variable trigger.
Overall Score: 91/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
WORX WG584
The WORX WG584 is another battery-powered leaf blower. It has three speed settings and is capable of 430 CFM air velocity. It also features a brushless motor that should last for a long time.
Overall Score: 93/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
DEWALT 20V Brushless Blower
The DEWALT 20V Brushless Blower had very good runtime – on the max setting it lasted for a bit over 15 minutes. This is a 400 CFM blower that operates at 65 decibels – great for small yards.
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Final Assessment
So is the Makita Dub363zv worth buying?
If you have a large yard and don’t really have a lot of garden vacuuming to do, definitely. We were very impressed with the blowing power even if the suction wasn’t great.
It works well as a mulcher too so we would definitely recommend checking the Makita Dub363zv out.
